Grim Premonitions

I lit the candle; the amber glow faintly illuminated my makeshift seat atop a stack of crates, my feet tapping against the uneven, damp cobblestone ground.

As I settled onto the crates, taking in the scent of the waxed candle, a figure approached the secluded area.

Despite the meagre light, the figure's features remained artfully concealed in utter blackness.

They took a seat across from me, their aura emanating an eerie and unsettling presence.

"Behind the tavern? You've chosen an... interesting spot." They said, their voice velvety yet infused with a teasing edge of mystery, breaking the silence.

"It serves its purpose, and it's quiet," I replied calmly, my tone hinting at amusement, "now, how much do you want?"

"Getting straight to the point, I see..." They paused, drawing out the suspense, then finally asked for what they wanted.

"A Death Crystal. And before you feign ignorance, think about the value of such a trade for someone of your... stature."

A distant shout made us both pause, our eyes darting in the direction of the noise. After a tense moment, we resumed our negotiation.

I narrowed my eyes, "Bold words. But dangerous items like that aren't mere toys to be traded in a back alley. And why would you assume I have any?"

"With how high-class your family is, you would have at least one illegal item... right?"

"What a terrible assumption," I retorted, my voice carrying a slight offence, "those things are dangerous and criminal. They wouldn't be distributed like mere gifts."

"Oh, forgive my assumptions," the figure said, a sly grin evident via their voice, "but in this world, it's often those who proclaim innocence the loudest who have the most to hide. Tell me, Lyssa Anastasia, how confident are you in your family's righteousness?"

I leaned forward, intrigued despite myself, "And why would my family's righteousness be of any interest to you? You're wasting my time here."

"Well, sellers are most known for hoarding... suspicious items."

I pushed back forcefully, the crate beneath me creaking as I abruptly stood up.

My voice shifted from its previously calm tone to one that was sharper, edged with rising anger, "That's—"

"It's even a miracle how your family got so popular despite all the rumours..." They continued.

With each passing word, my anger swelled, my hands reflexively curling into tighter fists. The candle's embers flared, casting dancing shadows that mirrored my actions.

"What rumours are you speaking of?" I demanded.

Their voice remained steady, "Figure out yourself. You're smart enough for that, aren't you?"

I sighed, trying to keep my composure. My gaze fixated on the figure in front of me.

"... I'm leaving."

Sensing a power shift, the figure leaned forward, the minimal light catching a hint of their eye.

"For someone so 'innocent', you seem quite defensive, Miss Anastasia."

I took a steadying breath, refusing to let this stranger rile me, "If you've brought me out here to spout baseless rumours, then you've gravely miscalculated." I raised my chin defiantly, "Your tales won't unsettle me... And don't compare my family to those fakes."

I left the mysterious buyer behind, and the cold night air prickled against my skin. I walked through a narrow alleyway, lost in my musings.

"How dare they compare my family to fake sellers... How dare they question my family's righteousness! Why would they even ask for a Death Crystal? Those things are illegal and punishable by death; it could even go as far as razing their family completely! And they expect me to own one?!"

"Who were they anyway?"

After a while of intense musing, the alley opened into a broad courtyard. It led to the tavern's back entrance.

Soft murmurs of a lute being played inside were carried by the wind, intertwining with the distant chatter of townsfolk.

The dark-wooded floor, the brick walls fixed to the bar at the front, the glowing chandelier, and the people crowding around made me feel a tad bit uncomfortable.

Rich, aromatic scents of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen.

The moment I stepped in, it felt as if I had strolled into a waterfall of compliments.

Though, throughout all the compliments, a familiar voice called out to me, "Lyssa! There you are!" It was Amara, one of my many sisters. Her bright eyes and radiant smile were a comforting sight.

I hesitated for a split second before replying, "Why are you here?" My voice held a hint of suspicion, not directed at her but at the night's earlier events.

"I was asked to take you home; I last saw you here, but you magically disappeared!"

I simply responded, 'Oh,' and walked out of the tavern, waiting for her to eventually catch up to me.

Once Amara caught up, her steps quickened to match my brisk pace.

"Lyssa, why did you leave the tavern like that? You disappeared so suddenly." She said, concern etched on her features.

My expression softened as I glanced at Amara, "I'm sorry, Amara. I was beginning my journey as a seller, to be like Mom." I explained.

Amara gently gripped my arm, pulling me to a stop.

"Lyssa, please don't take that dangerous path. I know you want to uphold the family name, but..."

"...You cannot stop me."

I heard whispers. They grew louder and more persistent as Amara and I continued our journey. She seemed not to notice, but the voices played at the edges of my consciousness.

"The Anastasias... really? Impossible."

The night grew colder as the two of us made our way through the cobblestone streets. The city's luminescent moonlight was the only guide on our path, casting long, quivering shadows.

"Why meet someone at this hour, especially behind a tavern?" Amara asked, a hint of reprimand in her voice.

"It was a business opportunity," I replied, a little too sharply, "One that didn't pan out."

Amara's gaze was filled with both concern and a hint of frustration.

"Lyssa, these late-night rendezvous and dangerous dealings won't bring you anything but trouble. I know you want to be a great seller like our mother, but you have to be cautious."

I exhaled deeply, conflicted.

On one hand, I had always admired my mother's prowess as a seller, and on the other, I realised the inherent risks that came with the job, "Amara, I just wanted to prove to everyone, to myself, that I can handle the responsibilities."

Amara squeezed my hand, her voice softening, "I know you do. But remember, being successful doesn't mean taking unnecessary risks."

"If there is a risk, I will take it..." I whispered internally.

Amara and I walked in contemplative silence. The streets gradually transitioned from cobblestone to a fine-gravelled pathway as we neared our home.

As we approached, I could discern the silhouette of our family's grand manor—symbolic of our family's prestige—with its towering spires and beautifully sculpted gardens, bathed in the gentle hue of the moonlight.

"Every time we return, it reminds me of how different our world is from the others," Amara mused, taking in the grandeur of our abode.

The entrance to our manor was a majestic set of double doors, carved intricately with representations of our family's many achievements. As I pushed the door open, a surprised expression forged on my face.

The inside of the manor was adorned with decorations, with an atmosphere of celebration permeating every corner.

Servants were busy attending to the guests, and soft music played in the background.

It was my birthday celebration, and the hall was filled with familiar faces, all here to commemorate my coming of age.

Upon entering, my mother, a graceful figure in a lavish gown, approached us.

"Lyssa, there you are! We were starting to get worried. It's your special day; you shouldn't keep your guests waiting."

I nodded, glancing around the room, "Sorry, mother. I was... delayed."

She raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story, but chose not to press further. "Well, come on then. Everyone's waiting."

As the music's rhythm carried through the grand hall, the guests turned their attention to the centrepiece of the room: a large, ornately decorated cake, glowing with eighteen radiant candles.

"Happy Birthday, Lyssa!" The room resounded in unison. I looked around; all my sisters, brothers, family, and friends were there.

Amid the festivities, I found myself stealing glances towards the entrance, half expecting the enigmatic figure from the tavern to make an appearance.

As the evening progressed, my tension only grew, feeling the weight of our previous conversation.

Thalia, one of my younger sisters, tapped my shoulder, her eyes bright and playful, "Why so lost on your special day? Come on, dance with us!"

With a deep breath, I allowed myself to be drawn into the joyful ambience, dancing alongside my siblings and friends, momentarily forgetting the night's earlier events.

A few moments later, I decided to rest on the balcony of my room. As the cool breeze kissed my face, I leaned against the balcony, letting the night's beauty calm my troubled thoughts.

The gardens below were awash with the soft glow of moonlight, casting a serene ambience. However, my earlier confrontation weighed heavily on my mind, making it hard to appreciate the peace.

Why was I thinking about it so much?

Taking a moment to breathe, I shifted my gaze to the sprawling city beyond our manor's walls. The distant lights twinkled, mirroring the vast expanse of stars overhead.

"The most dangerous of the sixteen crystals was mentioned so casually. And my family assumed of owning one..." I mused, turning back to the streets below.

Before I had the chance to ponder it more, I noticed something in the distance. A mundane thievery.

The thief moved swiftly, darting from shadow to shadow. From my vantage point, I could see the careful precision in their movements.

Without any hesitation, I summoned a cloak, woven from the very shadows around me, concealing my identity.

Without sound, I stood before the thief, my form enveloped by shadows. The thief froze momentarily, clearly startled by my sudden appearance.

"I recommend returning the things you have pilfered." I spoke sharply.

The thief's eyes darted around, searching for an escape route, "You should step aside," he hissed, yet there was a hint of fear in his voice.

Rather than backing down, I took a step closer, my cloak rustling softly. Suddenly, the thief erupted into a series of after-images, aiming to disorient me. Yet, even as he attempted to flank and attack, I remained unfazed.

He reappeared behind me, lunging at me with calculated strikes. I effortlessly dodged the first few, but he managed to graze my arm on the seventh attempt. However, as I expected, instead of harming me, he recoiled in agony. The pain he intended for me reflected back onto him.

Seizing this opening, I summoned shadow tendrils, which lunged at him, trying to ensnare him. Agile as ever, he danced away from their grasp, but the pain from the reflected injury slowed him.

In an instant, I appeared in front of him, the alleyway's shadows amplifying my presence.

"Enough." My voice echoed eerily, a hint of menace lacing every word. A crowd gathered around and watched the scene unfold.

Staring him down, my shadowy form became more pronounced, intimidating him further. I advanced silently and effortlessly, closing the gap he tried to create, making it seem like I disappeared and reappeared continuously.

"Now," I said, my voice cold, "will you heed my advice?" With that, one of my shadows congealed into a menacing black scythe in my grip, amplifying my threat.

The thief, overwhelmed, crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath and staring at me with wide, fearful eyes.

"Wait, please," he stammered, "I beg for mercy!"

Pausing briefly, I retracted the weapon but maintained my dark visage, "Return the things you have pilfered, and perhaps you'll be granted a second chance." I falsely admitted.

The thief hesitated, fear evident in his eyes, "Alright, alright," he stammered, hurriedly returning the stolen items to a nearby merchant.

The crowd that had gathered began whispering among themselves, casting me glances of awe and curiosity.

After that incident, I brought the thief to the inner wall of the Valkami kingdom, where no one with a class lower than High had permission to enter. The punishment was as low as life in the crypt—his life was over at that moment.

I retreated to my quarters. I noticed an envelope, elegantly sealed with wax, bearing our family emblem. I quickly tore it open.

"To the illustrious Lyssa Anastasia,

What would you do if your life was ruined in an instant? What if... your family was razed...? Surely that encounter behind the tavern was suspicious. Right?

From D.K."

The cryptic note from this mysterious "D.K." felt like a cold hand gripping my heart. Reputation was everything in our society, and any threat to it could shatter my family's standing and my aspirations.

I had only begun to delve into the world of business, aiming to cement my position as a formidable seller. But the weight of responsibility, the lurking dangers, and the night's events threatened to overwhelm me.

Lost in thought, a soft knock broke my reverie. I hastily hid the note under a cushion and called, "Enter."

The door creaked open slowly, revealing Amara; she seemed excited and joyful.

"Hey, hey! Did you see? The Arcane Equity just defeated another thief!" She exclaimed.

As Amara spoke, my thoughts drifted back to the confrontation with the thief. Was it sheer coincidence, or had word of my actions spread so swiftly?

"The thief didn't stand a chance," Amara continued, her eyes sparkling with admiration, "Whoever that mystifying figure was, they handled the situation with such finesse."

Suppressing a smile, I responded, "It's hopeful to know there are people competent at upholding righteousness in this kingdom."

Amara smiled brightly and began to leave the room. She stopped by the door, and a sly grin formed on her face.

"Also, was that a love letter?" Amara giggled, "Oh, don't blush! Everyone gets them at some point. I wonder who could've sent it?"

My eyes narrowed, "Is that all?" I asked sharply.

Amara's playful tease lightened the atmosphere, "Just teasing!" She said, her laughter echoing as she left the room.

After she left, with a heavy sigh, I reclined on my bed, allowing the comforting embrace of sleep to envelop me, pushing aside the uncertainties, if only for a moment.

The world around me shifted, and the boundaries of reality became blurred. The familiar confines of my room dissolved, replaced by an empty void.

As the void enveloped me, a whisper of colour began to emerge in the distance, swirling and blending like ink drops in water.

My surroundings changed, and I was back in the heart of Valkami, the kingdom I protect.

Whispers grew louder, with pointed fingers directed at me. Accusations flew, branding my family as the ones who possessed the Death Crystal.

I tried to defend myself, but my voice was swallowed by the growing cacophony. The faces I had known all my life looked back at me with disgust and hatred.

Panic set in as I raced to our manor, only to find it surrounded by guards, its majestic gates sealed with chains bearing the emblem of the highest authority.

Inside, my family was dragged out, their noble attire replaced by chains. The city folk who once revered us now cheered at our downfall.

The sight of my family being humiliated in public tore at my very soul.

A dungeon emerged from the shadows, where the chilling sounds of anguish filled the air. In separate cells, I saw my siblings and parents, their faces pale and their eyes void of hope.

They were tortured, each method more horrifying than the last.

The grim reality of "Razing a family" echoed in my mind.

I tried to reach out, to scream, to save them, but the walls seemed to grow, keeping them just out of reach.

Then darkness consumed everything.

In its embrace, I felt a transformation—chains that weren't just bindings but an intrinsic part of me. My identity became one with the shadows, obscured yet powerful.

A sudden jolt awakened me. Morning light flooded my room, frighteningly contrasting the darkness of my harrowing dream.

While I recognised it as a nightmare, its vividness blurred the lines with reality, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

Still reeling from the intense nightmare, I decided to distract myself by scanning the room. As my gaze wandered, it landed on the envelope that held the cryptic note.

My hands trembled slightly as I picked it up, rereading the words of "D.K." The implications of that message weighed heavily on my mind.

As I pondered, a soft knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in." I called out.

The door opened to reveal my younger brother, Lorian. His face remained serious as always, his eyes monitoring the room before settling on me.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." He commented.

I looked up at Lorian, my expression weary. "It was just a vivid dream," I replied, brushing off his concern with a wave of my hand. "Nothing to worry about."

Lorian raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, he handed me a folded piece of parchment. "This arrived for you. It's from the king."

I unfolded the parchment Lorian handed me, my gaze skimming over the ornate royal seal. The familiar crest—a double-headed gryphon surrounded by a circle of stars—indicated its authenticity. Unravelling the message, I read:

"To the Respected Lady Lyssa Anastasia of House Anastasia,

Your presence is requested at the Royal Palace tomorrow evening at sunset. His Majesty King Zaphreal desires a ceremony. Ensure your promptness.

Lord Castellan Regis,

Advisor to King Zaphreal"

As Lorian left, I approached my window, staring at the sprawling city beyond.

As I gazed out of my window at the city below, a lone raven perched on the windowsill, its ebony feathers glistening in the fading sunlight.

It fixed its dark, intelligent eyes on me for a moment before taking flight, disappearing into the dusky sky.

Just as I contemplated the royal summons and the ominous message from "D.K." a sudden gust of wind swept through my room.

It rustled the parchment in my hand, causing it to flutter and reveal an additional line of text hidden beneath the official message:

"Your silence is your strength. Speak not of the contents of this message. At the ceremony, a disruption will commence. That is when your life will crumble."

A chill ran down my spine as I read those words. It seemed that not only did "D.K." know of my encounter behind the tavern but also of the impending ceremony.

That nightmare might have meant something.